Evaluation of Iron Ore Dust Emission Rates and Associated Bacterial Load

Abstract

The National Company for Industry and Mines is facing significant dust emissions, raising environmental and health concerns. This study found that the dust particles contain hazardous materials (lead, copper, nickel, and cobalt) and developed a procedure to measure these emissions in accordance with French Standard X 43-014. The study determined the causes of emissions and suggested immediate preventive actions using the Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis method. The Guelb El Rhein mine has exceptionally high emissions, surpassing the limits of a highly polluted area, according to the results, whereas the Kedia d’Idjil mine maintains levels that are comparable to a livable environment and close to these limits. A notable presence of pathogenic staphylococcal species (S. epidermidis, S. hominis, S. capitis, S. haemolyticus, S. lentus, S. auricularis, S. sciuri, and S. cohnii subsp. urealyticum) was also detected in the dust particles.